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Flood and fire can cause lingering stress

Red Cross offers tips for area residents coping with anxiety following disasters

By Jeannie Lancaster

For the Reporter-Herald

Posted:
07/12/2014 07:38:11 PM MDT

A truck splashes through a flooded intersection as it travels westbound past Van Buren Avenue on Eisenhower Boulevard on May 23 when a sudden rainstorm forced the closure of some area streets and made people nervous. The Red Cross says after last September's floods in Northern Colorado, many people feel anxiety when it rains. The agency offers tips to help cope with the stress. (Jenny Sparks / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

As afternoon clouds begin to roll in along the Front Range and news stations begin forecasting possible severe weather, many individuals may look with anxiety to the skies.

It has been a tough year in Colorado, with spring storms that brought a deluge of rain and the unprecedented flooding in the fall of 2013. These events have had an impact on thousands of Coloradans.

"Across the board, we're seeing a heightened level of anxiety in Colorado," said Katie Fisk, a recovery specialist for the Red Cross of Colorado. "People are very concerned about rain and runoff. Even in communities where they're seeing average runoff, people have a heightened sensitivity because of what they experienced last year."

The old saying, "If you don't like the weather in Colorado, just wait a minute," has taken on a new meaning. Add to that mix the May tornadoes in Denver and surrounding areas along with large hail storms, and you have a situation that may understandably cause many individuals to experience apprehension.

An increased awareness and anxiety are normal reactions for those who were exposed to the 2013 floods and wildfires, noted Marlene Husson, the volunteer lead for Red Cross Disaster Mental Health in Colorado and a licensed professional counselor. More than one-third of Colorado counties were affected by the disasters.

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There are things individuals can do that can help them alleviate some of the stress that may be experienced related to Colorado's changing weather. The Red Cross offers four tips that can help those dealing with post-disaster stress and anxiety.

• Get connected. One of the things seen multiple times during recent disasters in Colorado was neighbor helping neighbor. Coloradans have a tradition of reaching out at times of need.

The Red Cross encourages residents to get to know those around them, whether in the neighborhood or at work. Exchange phone numbers and discuss your emergency plans and how you can mutually support each other if a disaster were to strike.

• Get prepared. It can be difficult to think clearly in the midst of a disaster, when you're under great stress. Take steps now so you will be prepared.

The Red Cross suggests people develop a plan that includes contacts, evacuation routes and how you'll communicate with loved ones. Help making a plan is available by visiting redcross.org/prepare or downloading free apps for phones.

In the September 2013 flood, Warren's Automotive Services on Colo. 402 near the Big Thompson River, was filled with 30 inches of water and mud. "We had to completely gut the building from 4 feet down," said owner Warren Petersen. "We were down for almost a month. It took a financial toll.

"There was some anxiety this spring," said Petersen. "We heard that we could get the same type of flooding again. So Petersen and the owners of the two adjacent businesses developed an emergency plan.

The Red Cross also recommends people have an emergency kit, with essential supplies for at least three days. Include food, water, medications, important documents (like your insurance card), sanitation items, a weather radio and chargers for your phone. Visit redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit for a more complete list of supplies.

News footage following disasters often shows individuals sorting through mud-covered or fire-damaged photos hoping to find a recognizable image. Consider downloading some family photos onto a flash drive to include in your emergency kit.

The Red Cross offers free apps for your phone that can keep you informed of possible threats. Emergency alerts are also available from your local county or emergency agency. Consider getting a weather radio,

The agency notes that, "Many individuals find that volunteering to help others or assisting in flood or wildfire recovery projects can make a difference. It can strengthen your support network, build positive feelings and help you feel more in control as you take action to achieve change in your community.

• Get Help. The Red Cross reminds us that, "Anxiety is a normal reaction to experiencing a disaster. However, if your fear or anxiety is affecting your work, relationships or ability to function, it's a good idea to reach out for help from a professional."

Preparing, connecting, caring for self and others, and seeking help when necessary are all positive steps that can help alleviate anxiety surrounding weather disasters.

"Don't be caught off guard like we were," said Petersen. "You just can't take it lightly."

Mark Smith takes a break to watch water in the Big Thompson River rush by on Sept. 12, when he was helping a friend move belongings out of the path of flood water. Red Cross officials say helping others is one thing that can help people cope if they're continuing to feel anxious about the Northern Colorado flood last September. (Jenny Sparks / Loveland Reporter-Herald)

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